Derian House charity shop opens in Bamber Bridge with £650 in sales on first hour

Lancashire bargain hunters turned out in force for the grand opening of a brand-new Derian House charity shop in Bamber Bridge on Friday ( October 30) – with one couple even making a date of it.

The Lancashire Post was there for the opening event and for a first look inside.

The new store at Bamber Bridge Shopping Centre, just behind Morrisons, got off to a flying start, taking an impressive £650 in sales during its first hour as shoppers browsed the rails for pre-loved fashion, unique finds and hidden gems.

The ribbon was cut by Derian House youngster Jacob Privett, 12, and his mum Louise, alongside Danni the hospice mascot, officially declaring the shop open to the public for the first time.

Shoppers were welcomed with complimentary prosecco, cupcakes and were the first to browse the new store ready to snap up pre-loved fashion and hidden gems.

It was love at first bargain for Brinscall couple Sarah and Jim Gillett, who made the new shop opening their date – with CD enthusiast Jim so keen that they were waiting outside before opening time!

“We’re on a date!” exclaimed Sarah, as she perused the shelves.

“We thought it would be a fun way to spend our half-term together. You never know what little gems you might come across when you're having a rummage.

“When we heard that there was a new Derian House shop opening we knew we had to be here as soon as the doors opened. Jim was especially excited about checking out the CDs, so we made sure we got here early. It's a lovely way to spend a date, bag a bargain and support a brilliant local charity at the same time”

There was also a raffle for everyone making a purchase, with the chance to win a £20 voucher to spend at any of Derian House’s six charity shops across Lancashire.

The new shop will help raise vital funds for the Chorley-based Derian House charity, which provides specialist care and support for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West, helping them to make the most of every moment.

Jackie Rooney, Interim Chief Executive at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “What an amazing welcome from Bamber Bridge! Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate the opening of our brand-new shop. We couldn't have asked for a better start.

“Our shops are about so much more than finding a great bargain. Every purchase helps us be there for the children and families who need us, and we're so grateful for the support of our local communities.

“Care is completely free for families at Derian House, but it costs £6 million a year to run our hospice. We receive just 30% of our funding from the government, which means we rely on our amazing supporters like you to raise the remaining 70p in every £1.”

The new store is now open at Bamber Bridge Shopping Centre, just behind Morrisons, and is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am until 4:30pm.